Re: Car Value/Tranny Repair

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.pl>]

At 18:43 10.09.98 -0700, Dave Puterbaugh wrote:

>Help!  My local Audi dealer has informed me that my transmission is leaking,
>andd must be pulled out and resealed.  I am now tornbetween fixing it
>($1600) and getting a new car.  After shopping around, I find that none of
>the current cars measure up to my 1991 200 Quattro, except they smell new,
>and are covered by warranty!

Good point. I was thinking recently which Audi model would I buy if I could
afford any of them (dreaming ;-). A8 is a terrific car, but too big
(finding a parking place for the 5K is sometimes very challenging already).
The styling of the A6 is definitely not to my liking. I like the A4, but
still I think I would choose a pristine condition '91 200Q, S6 or 4.2l V8
over any of the new Audis.

>I have two questions.  The first is how much of a pain is it to pull the
>transmission, and tear it apart to replace all the seals? 

It's not difficult provided one has proper tools and workshop facilities.
$1600 sounds like an outrageous price for me, but maybe I'm not familiar
with US labor costs (A friend mechanic of mine here in Poland would
probably do this job for under $300).

>  The second
>question is open for discussion.  I have found a 1991 200 Quattro sedan for
>sale, great condition except for some fairly deep scratches ( to the primer)
>on the fender and the rear bumper.  The car has less than 50,000 miles,
>appears to be in fine mechanical shape, has UFO brakes, and is a one owner
>car.  What is this car worth?  The man is asking over retail book in my
>opinion, at $14,500.  I would love to buy the car, and sell mine, but I
>refuse to pay over retail.  Any opinions would be a big help!!  I really
>need to decide right away what I am going to do.

Selling your car only because the transmission is leaking and getting
another one of the same vintage is really a big mistake. What if the
transmission on your "new" car starts to leak couple of months later? My
advice: find an independent mechanic (he must be familiar with Quattros,
though). I'm sure you will find someone who will do the job for an
acceptable price.

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)